Now that summer is winding down, back-to-school savings are everywhere. But when you’re making your back-to-school budget, realize that sometimes what looks like a bargain really isn’t. As you pore over store flyers and online deals, it can be overwhelming. And then, just when you think you’re done shopping, the teacher sends home a list of more supplies to buy! How to avoid back-to-school mistakes

This year my daughter informed me that she wanted to decorate her school locker – complete with a chandelier. I guess that is a thing now. She didn’t want to get too DIY – she’d rather buy than make. A little research showed that locker decorations at Claire’s Accessories run from $10.50 for 4 plastic magnets (seriously?) to magnetic wallpaper for $34.50 (I think not).

I have a confession to make. I love looking at all the creative ideas that people post on Pinterest… but it’s rare that I actually attempt to copy these recipes or crafts – even when I fully intend to. I can look at these elaborate bento box inspired lunch ideas and know, without a doubt, that I will never make them. But that’s okay. I can

Remember when school lunches were packed in a paper bag? These days many schools enforce, or at least encourage, a no-waste lunch policy, meaning no disposable plastic wrap or bags. I can’t argue with the benefits to the environment – and reusable containers do end up being cheaper in the long run – but there are so many choices for lunch boxes now that it

Many students in both public and private schools are required to wear school uniforms and now it’s your kid’s turn. You’ve bought your school supplies, you’ve bought your backpack, but where do you go for the best deals on uniforms? And how do you keep them looking good all year long? School uniforms: everything you need to know. PRO: You know exactly what your child is going to

We all love a bargain. So who in their right mind would choose one of those expensive $50+ backpacks from the sporting goods store when you can get one for about $15 at stores like Walmart and Target? Who would pay that kind of cash when you can get a backpack with the latest copyrighted characters for under $10 at some of the bargain stores?

Do you cheer when you see back to school sales or cringe that the summer is nearly over? Either way, the reality is that school will be back in session soon! As you are shopping for school supplies, have you taken a glance at the myriad lunch options available? More and more parents are packing lunches for their kids to save money, to ensure meals

It’s that time of year. The days are longer, the sun is shining, and your kids will be out of school before you know it. If you’re anything like me, it won’t occur to you until the last week of school that you should probably get the teacher an end-of-year gift. And after paying for summer camps and vacation travel, you probably don’t feel like spending a

I don’t know about you, but paying for my kids’ college education is the kind of thing that keeps me awake at night. With tuition rates at record high levels, saving enough for even state schools can sometimes feel like mission impossible. So when Upromise reached out to me with information about the Upromise MasterCard, I was excited to learn more. If you’ve made a New

Signing your kid up for a sports team will mean signing more than a few checks or credit card receipts, but it’s an investment that’s worth making. Of course the chances of your kid getting a college scholarship to play at a university is small, and the idea of them making a career of it is even slimmer. But the upside of sports and the

If you are a student, chances are you’re on a tight budget. Even if you’re lucky enough to have scholarships or generous parents, you still need to be responsible and live within your means. Living on a budget is not the fun part of college. However, you will be grateful you made the effort if you have a healthy bank account and good credit when

A new survey says more of us are saving for our kid’s college fund than our own retirement. Oh, snap! I’m not pointing any fingers, but the data is pretty damming…What I’m curious about is WHY people choose to save for college instead of retirement. Maybe you can help me understand this issue. Are you saving for retirement or college?

Now through Dec. 27 you can buy one bra and get one 50% off at Victoria’s Secret when you use promo code DOUBLEUP at checkout. This sale includes regular and sports bras. Even better, snag FREE shipping on any purchase of $50 or more with promo code SHIP50.

College is more expensive than ever. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average total cost of college has more than doubled since 1982. And it’s not just the price of tuition that’s gone up; the price of textbooks, associated supplies, and student housing has gone up as well. At some schools the price of housing is as or more expensive than the tuition! For a

Regardless of which subject area you plan to pursue in college, the living arrangements you choose can make a big difference in your academic success. Generally speaking, you have two main options: living in the dorms or getting an apartment of your own. Both can work depending on your personal needs. Pros and Cons of Dorms v. An Apartment